TWO-TIER local government is likely to be scrapped even if voters reject a regional assembly this autumn, it has been claimed.
Pendle Borough Council's chief executive, Stephen Barnes, is quoted in a Local Government Chronicle article as saying the case for unitary councils, like Blackburn with Darwen, is growing stronger as, unlike other parts of East Lancashire with district councils, it runs its own services, including education and social services.
Officials believe unitary councils should replace two-tier government.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott recently gave an assurance when he visited Blackburn that the status-quo would remain if voters do not opt for a regional assembly in November. But, as previously reported in the Evening Telegraph, sources in Government and councils claim county councils like Lancashire will be scrapped.
Mr Barnes said: "There is a feeling that the two tier system is unsatisfactory against the modernisation agenda."
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